Team - Jon, Kristian, Rob and Jeff
The plan for the evening with team foursome would be to head back in to SMMC and then form two separate groups; one team to head downstream and look at potentially drafting chokes and take photos, and the second team to start bolting at the aven near survey station 34 some 150m upstream from the entrance of Winking Passage.
However before any of that nonsense, the team refreshed themselves with some French beer and compte cheese provided by Jeff on a brief visit back to the UK.
Rob and Jeff planned to bolt, and Jon and Kristian would go wander, poke at chokes and take photos.
Entering Cussey at 6:45pm , the passage down and through went smoothly, and the Boil up sump 2 now a 2m long free dive, passed without issue. At SMMC the teams split upstream and downstream.
At the aven Rob took to climbing and Jeff took belay. After the first few bolts Rob had reached the top of the initial 8m part of the aven and was now beneath a constriction of boulders and rocks wedged around the small hole (0.5 X 1m) leading up into the next section of the aven. Jeff moved up a stance to escape any ensuing debris from above, but little came, as Rob managed to cling to one solid wall to climb up through the hole.
Once through the constriction Rob finally got a clear view on the pitch above. Some 6m more awaited to be climbed and the phreatic roof and potential passage leading off looked enticing. Unfortunately due to lack of gear and time, this team had to call it a day and make the rigging safe to access back up into this second part of the aven.
Meanwhile the others Jon and Kristian had made the most of their time to try and photograph the downstream of SMMC, had briefly said hi to the climbers on the way past, and then headed fully upstream to have a look-see. This being only the start of explorations it is of benefit to search and take time to review.
Kristian Brook in the downstream vadose passage, by JonP
Kristian approaching the main upstream chamber, by JonP
Jon and Kristian on by-passing the SMMC 1st upstream sump and continuing to the next went through a section of breakdown that didn't feel natural compared to the rest of the cave. Based on the smaller bits of rock found and by type, it is likely to be work of the miners. Jeff agreed to this having seen this section the previous Sunday helping Rob Middleton and others. This also marries up with Rob Middleton's and Mike Butcher's records further beyond the SMMC 2nd upstream sump which show clear mine workings at that end of the system.
Jon and Kristian did have a look at other chokes along the way in the SMMC, but most didn't sound safe enough just to push direct.
A steady slog back to surface, having missed the pub, the team arrived back at the parking by 11:30pm to discuss and finish the cheese!